How to plan a trip to Japan: the best itinerary planner

Hailed one of the most beautiful countries in the world by Rough Guides’ readers, Japan offers travelers a richness of unique, unforgettable experiences. Thinking of visiting but not sure where or when to go? Keep reading for a run-down of how to plan a trip to Japan to help you maxisimize your chance of experiencing the best things to do in Japan.

Follow our tips for visiting Japan

Whether you’re planning a vacation that includes uncovering Japan’s cultural heart in Kyoto, an itinerary that includes incredible hikes and opportunities to get off the beaten track, following our tips for visiting Japan will set you for up for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.

Alongside helping you decide when’s the best time to visit, and how to get around, we also share detailed itineraries for spending 7, 10 and 14 days in Japan. 

If that wasn't enough, you'll also gain intel on the best cities, regions and islands to visit on a first trip to this uniquely captivating country. 

Editor’s tip:  when it comes to pre-trip planning, our Japan travel tips will come in handy, as will our customisable Japan itineraries.

Step 1: Figure out the best time to visit Japan

First up in our tips for how to plan a trip to Japan, you’ll need to figure out the best time to visit. This depends entirely on what you most want to see and do during your vacation.

In general terms, thanks to pleasant weather and natural phenomena like cherry blossoms and fall foliage, spring and fall are the most popular times to visit. 

Meanwhile, though hot and humid, summer offers stacks of festivals, while winter (unsurprisingly) is the best time for visit for snow sports and snow-themed festivals.

For more detail, read on for an overview of what to expect of Japan around the year, with info on weather conditions, and notable events across various regions in different seasons.

Spring — March to May

Expect mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the following key events:

• Cherry blossom season (sakura): cherry blossom season runs from late March to early April. Top spots include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and Chidorigafuchi in Tokyo, Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path and Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, and Osaka Castle Park and Kema Sakuranomiya Park in Osaka. Note that blossoms bloom later in Hokkaido, usually peaking from late April to early May.
• Takayama spring festival: held in mid-April in Takayama, this is known for its beautiful floats and traditional performances.
• Aoi Matsuri: held in Kyoto on May 15, this features traditional court costumes and rituals.

Summer ­— June to August

Summer in Japan is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It’s also rainy season, particularly in June and early July, though Hokkaido remains drier. Here are key summer events to have on your radar:

• Gion Matsuri: held throughout July in Kyoto, this is one of Japan’s most famous festivals.
• Firework festivals (Hanabi Taikai): notable events include the Sumida River Fireworks in Tokyo and the Osaka Tenjin Matsuri.
• Mount Fuji climbing season: July to early September is the official climbing season for Mount Fuji.

Fall — September to November

Fall in Japan is cool and comfortable, with a temperature range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). 

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Japan in Fall.

• See Fall foliage (koyo): from mid-October to early December, head to Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, Tofuku-ji), Nikko (Lake Chuzenji, Ryuzu Falls) or Hokkaido (Daisetsuzan National Park, Shiretoko) to witness Japan’s koyo season.
• Takayama Autumn Festival: Held in October in Gifu Prefecture, this festival is similar to the spring version, with beautiful floats and traditional performances.
• Jidai Matsuri: celebrated on October 22 in Kyoto, this "Festival of Ages" features a historic procession from Kyoto’s Imperial Palace.

Winter — December to February

Winter in Japan is cold, especially in northern regions and mountainous areas, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F).

Also note that snowfall is common in northern Japan and the Japanese Alps, which means there are plenty of snow-themed events and activities to keep you entertained. 

• Sapporo Snow Festival: held in Hokkaido in early February, this features monumental snow and ice sculptures.
• Otaru Snow Light Path Festival: also held in Hokkaido in February, this sees the city illuminated by lanterns and snow sculptures.
• New Year’s celebrations (Shogatsu): New Year sees traditional events take place across Japan.
• Skiing and snowboarding: top resorts include Niseko in Hokkaido, Hakuba Valley in Nagano, and Zao Onsen in Yamagata.

Editor’s tip: want a wonder-filled winter vacation? Check out our customisable Japan Winter Tour.

Step 2: Decide how long you need for a trip to Japan

After deciding when to go, you might be wondering how long you need for a trip for Japan, and whether, for example, spending a week or two in the country is long enough.

The key is to plot out an itinerary that covers what you most want to see and do, while also allowing time to discover lesser-visited treasures of the destinations you choose to visit.

To help you figure that out, here’s how you could spend 7 days, 10 days and two weeks in Japan. Spoiler alert: it’s perfectly possible to enjoy an immersive vacation in any of these time frames.

How to spend 7 days in Japan

Taking you from Tokyo to Osaka, our customisable 7-day Highlights of Japan itinerary will have you experiencing exactly that.

Given that this suggested trip plan also includes Kyoto, you won’t need to decide whether to visit Tokyo or Kyoto — you’ll get to see the best of both.

After arriving in Tokyo, kick-off your first full-day in the city with a sumo wrestling session followed by a traditional lunch and tour of Tokyo’s Asakusa district.

Here you can visit city’s oldest temple — Senso-ji — and the towering Tokyo Skytree before enjoying a dinner cruise to see the city at night.

On day three, transfer to Hakone ­(we suggest taking the electric Tokyo to Hakone train) — a mountain resort town that sits in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

Come the afternoon, take a scenic cable car ride to see Lake Ashi, the historic Hakone Shrine and the geyser-rich Owakudani Valley.

On day four, take the bullet train to Kyoto to see its remarkable shrines, temples and palaces, rounding off the day with a tea ceremony in the Gion Geisha district.

Next, devote day five to visiting more amazing temples, along with exploring Kyoto’s glorious bamboo groves.

Day six will see you travel to Nara to see the ancient Tōdai-ji Temple and visit the surrounding Nara Deer Park en route to Osaka.

In Osaka itself, spend the remainder of your 7-day trip visiting the castle and experiencing the city’s lively nightlife before bedding down in one of its best areas to stay.

Editor’s tip: if you can extend your week in Japan by a day or two, take inspiration from our Japan Essentials itinerary.

How to spend 10 days in Japan

Expanding on the above 7-day itinerary, this suggested small group tour of Japan’s highlights will have you experiencing Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama and Kyoto in ten days.

On arrival, do a deep into Tokyo through visiting the Imperial Palace before boarding a train to the vibrant Asakusa district — an area that’s rightly renowned for its food.

Come the afternoon, enjoy a sumo wrestling experience ahead of taking an early train to Hakone on day three.

Spend the afternoon cruising Lake Ashi before heading to a ryokan for dinner, allowing time to relax in a rejuvenating onsen. 

Day four will see you travel to Takayama on a scenic train journey, with day five devoted to exploring this history-rich town that’s known for its merchant houses, museums, tranquil temples and shrines.

Next, spend day five either exploring more of Takayama, or else take a day trip to Shirakawago. This UNESCO-designated village along the Three Star Road is esteemed for its unique architecture.

On day six, take a train to Kyoto, which will be your home for the rest of this 10-day vacation. 

Editor’s tip: if you’re into food, consider booking our customisable 10-day culinary tour across Japan.

Into adventure? You’ll love our 10-day Self-guided Adventure Tour in Japan.

How to spend 14 days in Japan

If you have two weeks in Japan, you might like this Secret of Japan itinerary that covers everything in the suggested 10-day trip, plus a few nights in Osaka and Hiroshima.

Spend your first three days in Tokyo before taking a few days to explore Hakone and Takayama. 

On day seven, transfer to Osaka by train and take a walking tour of the Dontonbori district to sample its street food and soak up the neon lights.

On day 8, visit Osaka’s Sky Garden and Kuromon Ichiba market ahead of traveling to Hiroshima by train on day 9. On arrival, be sure to tour the Peace Memorial Museum and visit the cenotaph at the Peace Memorial Park. 

Next, devote day 10 to taking a day trip to Miyajima Island where the Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen awaits.

On day 11, transfer to Kyoto to spend the rest of your vacation discovering its unique ancient attractions and traditions.

Editor’s tip: prefer to walk on the wilder side? Check-out our customisable itinerary focussed on hiking the Japanese alps.

Traveling with kids? Our Family Adventures in Japan itinerary is designed to keep all ages happy.

Step 3: Get first-hand tips

Alongside deciding when to go and what itinerary to take, while planning your trip to Japan be sure to get first-hand advice from travelers who’ve been there and done that in the country.  

Read on for a summary of current tips that are coming from folks who’ve recently visited. 

Travel tips in Japan

• Summer is brutally hot, so wear cool clothes, cover your head and keep hydrated.
• Klook is a handy one-stop shop for buying tickets to attractions, and for transport.
• Knowing some Japanese is a massive plus. Use Google translate to help you get by.
• Use guides to climb Mt Fuji.
• The Japan Rail Pass isn’t always worth it — you’ll only save money on longer itineraries that involve significant journeys.

Traveling in Japan

• First-timers who are short on time might want to consider taking domestic flights rather than figuring out the train system.
• Visit Miyajima Island first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. 
• Consider visiting Nara from Kyoto or Osaka as a day trip instead of en route from Kyoto to Osaka.
• If you’re planning to visit Disneyland and Disneysea, download the Tokyo Disney Resort app. It shows you where you are, and the wait times for each ride.

Want a vacation that gives you support and advice throughout your trip? Talk to our local Japan experts.

Step 4: Where to visit on a first trip

Still not sure how your itinerary should be shaped? Read on to find out the best cities and regions to visit during a first-time trip to Japan.

Best cities to visit

Tokyo

Capital city Tokyo is a dynamic metropolis in which ancient tradition meets modernity. Here are a few highlights:

• Shibuya Crossing: experience one of the world’s busiest intersections.
• Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple: explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and the surrounding traditional Nakamise shopping street.
• Shinjuku: discover Tokyo’s nightlife, shopping, and the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
• Akihabara: this area is the hub of electronics, anime, and otaku culture.
• Meiji Shrine: this peaceful Shinto shrine in the heart of the city is surrounded by a forest.

Editor’s tip: ahead of booking your trip, read up on where to stay in Tokyo, and get The Rough Guide to Tokyo.

Kyoto

The cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is celebrated for its well-preserved temples, traditional tea houses, and historic districts. Here are a few Kyoto must-sees.

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: famous for thousands of red torii gates that lead up to a sacred mountain.
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): this stunning Zen Buddhist temple is festooned in gold leaf.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: this serene bamboo forest is perfect for a peaceful stroll.
• Gion District: Kyoto’s historic geisha district boasts traditional wooden machiya houses.
• Kiyomizu-dera: this historic temple offeres panoramic views of the city.

Editor’s tip: read up on the best areas to stay in Kyoto.

Osaka

Offering a more laid-back vibe than Tokyo, and known for its food and nightlife, Osaka is another city that should definitely be on your radar. Read on for highlights.

• Dotonbori: this lively entertainment district is famed for neon lights and street food.
• Osaka Castle: this historic castle has beautiful grounds and an impressive museum.
• Umeda Sky Building: this unique skyscraper boasts an observatory that offers panoramic city views.
• Shinsekai: a fun retro neighborhood with a quirky vibe.

Editor’s tip: discover the best areas to stay in Osaka.

Hiroshima

A city with a poignant history, Hiroshima is also a symbol of peace and recovery. Here's what you won't want to miss:

• OHiroshima Peace Memorial Park: be sure to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum, and monuments dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing.
• Miyajima Island: just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, this island is home to the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

Nara

Located near Kyoto, Nara is famous for its ancient temples and sacred deer that roam freely in the park. Be sure to make time to see the following:

• Todai-ji Temple: home to the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha.
• Nara Park: this vast park is home to sacred free-roaming deer.
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine: a historic Shinto shrine surrounded by thousands of lanterns.

Best regions to visit

Kansai 

Home to cultural hubs like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, the Kansai region offers a deep dive into Japan’s history, culture, and culinary delights.

Kanto 

The Kanto region includes Tokyo, Nikko — a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning temples and natural scenery. 

Hakone — famed for its hot springs, Mount Fuji views, and the scenic Hakone Ropeway — also lies within Kanto's borders.

Hokkaido

Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Hokkaido — Japan’s northernmost island — is especially beautiful in summer and winter. For example, visit Sapporo in winter for its snow festival, and head to Furuno and Biei to be wowed by lavender fields in summer and ski in winter.

Meanwhile, Shiretoko National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is rewarding around the year

Chubu 

The Chubu region in Honshu offers a mix of mountains (including Mount Fuji), and traditional villages and towns like Takayamaand Kanazawa

Chugoku 

Located in the western part of Honshu, this region includes countless historic and spiritual sites, from Hiroshima and Okayama, which is known for Korakuen Garden, to the castle town of Matsue.

Try to visit one of the islands

While planning your itinerary, look to include at least one of Japan’s lesser-visited, best islands in your trip plan. 

This will give you a more fulsome flavor of the country, whether you’re looking to find secluded secret beaches, coral reefs and quaint little villages, or want to immerse yourself in ancient history.

On the subject of history and hidden secrets, you could head to Okinawa-Hontō. Formerly the centre of the Ryukyu kingdom, Okinawa-Hontō — AKA Okinawa Main Island — is arguably Japan's best-kept secret. 

In the market for unspoilt beaches and excellent diving? Head to the Keramas, while hikers will want to check out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed island of Yakushima.

Step 5: Get familiar with Japanese culture

Familiarizing yourself with Japanese culture ahead of your trip is likely to make it all the more rewarding. The same is true of enjoying hands-on experiences while on-the-road. 

So, here are a few ways to do exactly that.

Learn a few basic Japanese phrases

Knowing how to say “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) can go a long way in making connections. All the better if you learn more. Otherwise, use an app.

Understand social etiquette

A couple of key pointers on the subject of etiquette. First, bowing is a significant part of Japanese etiquette, used to greet, thank, apologize and show respect.

Second, be mindful of the fact that it’s customary to remove shoes before entering many homes, traditional inns (ran) and temples.

Enjoy Japanese food

While many Japanese dishes are known globally, nothing beats enjoying the likes of sushi sashimi, ramen, tempura and soba in local restaurants, or on an expert-guided, food-themed tour.

We also suggest booking a Japanese tea ceremony experience.

Experience traditional arts and visit cultural sites

From taking classes in ikebana — the art of flower arranging — and shodo (calligraphy), to watching traditional Japanese theater forms like kabuki and noh, try to enjoy a few cultural experiences during your vacation.

In addition, be sure to include historic attractions in your itinerary, from temples and shrines — like Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji and Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine — to castles like Himeji and Matsumoto.

Practice patience and respect

Japanese culture values patience, harmony and respect for others. Being mindful of these values while traveling will enhance your experience.

Editor’s tip: read more on Japanese culture and etiquette, and find out unbelievable facts about Japan.

Step 6: How to get to Japan

Traveling from the United States to Japan is pretty simple, with plenty of direct options to choose from, as summarised below. 

Departure cities in the US: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Dallas (DFW) have direct flights to Japan.

Arrival cities in Japan: Tokyo (Narita Airport, NRT or Haneda Airport, HND) and Osaka (Kansai International Airport, KIX) are the primary international gateways. Other options include Nagoya (Chubu Centrair International Airport, NGO) and Fukuoka (Fukuoka Airport, FUK).

If you’re looking for cheaper options, you might consider a flight with a layover. Common layover cities include Honolulu, Seoul, Taipei, and Vancouver.

Step 7: How to get around Japan

Thanks to its extensive, reliable transpor network, getting around Japan is convenient and efficient. Here’s an overview of options to help you navigate the country.

How to hire a car

Renting a car is useful if you plan to explore rural areas, remote attractions, or islands where public transportation is limited.

International car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate in Japan. Local companies like Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent a Car, and Times Car Rental are also popular and reliable.

You can book a car online through the rental company’s website, a travel booking site, or on arrival at the airport or major train stations. 

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

A few things to note — International Driving Permits (IDP) are required for foreigners renting a car, and you drive on the left.

Speed limits are lower than in the US (typically 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on highways).

Many expressways in Japan are toll roads. You can pay tolls in cash or use an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card, which can be rented with the car.

How to travel by public transport

Here’s a run-down of public transport options in Japan.

Japan Rail (JR) System

• The Shinkansen bullet train is the fastest, most convenient way to travel between major cities, with a network covering most of Japan.
• Japan Rail operates local and regional trains that connect cities and towns across the country. As such, they’re an efficient way to travel within regions.
• If you plan to travel extensively by train, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) — more on that below. 

Subways and local trains

• Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya have extensive subway systems that are easy to navigate. 
• In addition to JR, private railway companies provide services in and around major cities.

Buses

• Buses are available in most cities and towns. In smaller towns and rural areas, they’re often the primary mode of public transportation.
• For longer distances, highway buses are a budget-friendly alternative to the Shinkansen, and can be an option for overnight travel.

Taxis

• Taxis are widely available in cities and can be hailed on the street or at taxi stands. More expensive than public transport, they’re convenient for short trips.

Ferries

• Ferries connect Japan’s main islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku) as well as smaller islands, and can be a scenic, leisurely way to travel.

Domestic Flights

• For long distances, such as from Tokyo to Sapporo or Okinawa, domestic flights can be faster than the Shinkansen. 

Planning a longer stay in the capital? Here's how to get around Tokyo.

Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass (JR pass), is a discounted rail ticket that gives you unlimited access to Japan Rail National trains, bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. Just note that the pass isn’t valid on the Nozomi Shinkansen trains — the fastest class of bullet train.

To be eligible to buy one, you must be traveling on a “temporary visit” visa that’s valid for stays of up to 90 days.  

There are two classes of pass to choose from. Standard Passes are cheaper and more flexible. Green Passes are more expensive and less flexible, but come with more space and comfort.

Editor’s tip: read up on which Japan Rail Pass is right for you.

Step 8: Book accommodation and attractions

Booking accommodation and entry to attractions in advance offers several advantages..

Firstly, accommodation is often cheaper when booked in advance — hotels typically offer special early bird discounts and promotions.

Booking early also gives you access to a wider selection of room types — especially important if you have special requests.

At the same time, having your travel arrangements sorted well in advance cuts down last-minute stress and fosters a more relaxed planning process.

Conversely, booking early gives you time to make adjustments if your plans need to change.

When it comes to booking tickets to attractions and tours in advance, you’ll have access to more dates and time slots. You could also secure time-saving skip-the-line tickets. 

Step 9: How much does a Japan trip cost?

While it goes without saying that the cost of a trip to Japan will vary widely depending on your travel style, length of stay, and activities, here's a ballpark overview of estimated costs for budget, mid-price and luxury travel.

Budget travel

Expect to pay $20-$60 per night to stay in hostels, capsule hotels, budget business hotels, and Airbnbs, and $10-$30 a day for street food and inexpensive ramen or sushi restaurants.

If you’re on a budget, you could use public transport for around $10-$20 per day, and allow the same for activities. 

Bear in mind, you’ll need to research free and low-cost attractions like parks, temples, and shrines to stick to this.

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Tokyo for free.

Mid-price travel

Mid-range hotels, boutique hotels, traditional inns (ryokan) with breakfast will cost $80-$150 per night, and you could eat well for $30-$60 a day.

Look to budget around $20-$40 per day to get around, and $20-$50 a day for activities, including entry fees for museums, guided tours and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies.

Luxury travel

Luxury hotels, high-end ryokan with kaiseki (multi-course) meals, and premium resorts will set you back $250-$600+ a night, while dining in the likes of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end sushi bars will cost $100-$300 a day.

When it comes to getting around, first-class (Green Car) Shinkansen seats and private car services will cost $40-$100+ per day, while the likes of private guided tours and exclusive cultural experiences will cost $50-$200+ a day.

Ready to start planning your own trip to Japan? Get The Rough Guide to Japan to support every step of your journey.

Or, if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of planning, book one of our customisable Japan itineraries.